The ancient Roman kitchen was a central part of the household, where food was prepared and meals were shared. These kitchens were often located in the atrium, the central courtyard of the Roman house. They featured a hearth for cooking, as well as various utensils and tools for food preparation. The design of the Roman kitchen was functional and practical, with a focus on efficiency. The use of exposed pipes was not common in ancient Roman kitchens, as they relied more on open fires and simple cooking techniques.